IHRA #30: Tsunami Relief: Carlson Hotels Worldwide Compay-Wide Initiative

Member Reports > Chain Member Spotlight > Tsunami Relief Efforts: Carlson Hotels

Tsunami Relief: Carlson Hotels Worldwide Compay-Wide Initiative

Carlson Hotels Worldwide joined with its parent organization, Carlson Companies, to raise money for tsunami disaster relief, yet another expample of hospitality companies reaching out to help rebuild and recover!

Carlson Hotels Worldwide joined with its parent organization, Carlson Companies, to raise money for tsunami disaster relief in an annoucement made on 10 Jan 2005. The company-wide campaign includes corporate employees, individual hotel property employees, and guests. Links have been posted on each of the company's brand web sites to encourage visitors and hotel guests to make direct contributions to the designated charities. Carlson Hotels Worldwide includes the following brands: Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.

Because the disaster has had a disproportionate impact on the region's children, the funds collected will be shared by the World Childhood Foundation (www.childhood.org) and UNICEF (www.unicef.org). Carlson has a standing commitment to the World Childhood Foundation as its charity of choice. World Childhood has established a child-recovery program in Thailand to ensure the safety of orphaned children. Carlson will also be donating proceeds of the campaign to UNICEF.

"While we are thankful that our employees, guests and hotel properties were not directly impacted by this tragic event, we are deeply saddened by the incredible human suffering and tremendous aid needs that have arisen in the wake of this disaster," said Trudy Rautio, president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, The Americas. "Carlson has focused its charitable efforts on causes that work to stop ongoing child exploitation, prevent or reduce the risk of future abuse, and educate children and their young mothers on strategies to promote a life free from abuse. This type of work is desperately needed in south Asia at this time."

Rautio kicked off the fundraising efforts on national television on Monday, Jan. 10. She appeared on the CBS Early Show to announce the launch of Carlson Hotels Worldwide's new hotel loyalty program. As part of her appearance, Rautio made a USD $10,000 cash contribution on behalf of
Carlson Hotels Worldwide to aid the World Childhood Foundation's tsunami relief efforts.

Each of the company's hotel brand web sites offers information on the Carlson tsunami relief initiative with links for visitors to make direct contribution to the designated charities. The brands and respective websites are: Regent International Hotels (www.regenthotels.com), Radisson Hotels & Resorts (www.radisson.com), Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts (www.parkplaza.com), Country Inns & Suites By Carlson® (www.countryinns.com) and
Park Inn® (www.parkinn.com).
In addition, company employees can make a payroll deduction to help people affected by the area's recent earthquake and tsunami. The company will match employees' contributions and anticipates being able to share a collective gift in excess of $500,000.

Carlson Hotel locations in countries impacted by the tsunamis were not damaged and are currently operating fully. There were no reports of injuries to hotel guest or employees who were onsite during the disaster.

The World Childhood Foundation was founded in 1999 by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden to serve the world's most vulnerable children, particularly children victimized by sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Through generous donations from the Curtis L, Carlson Foundation, Carlson is one of the founding sponsors of Childhood. Fund-raising activities take place in many locations of Carlson Hotel brands in the Americas to support the vital work of the Foundation. For further information visit: www.childhood.org.

Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide includes five hotel brands, totaling more than 890 locations in 68 countries. Hotel brands include: Regent International Hotels, one of the most respected brands in the luxury segment of the lodging industry; Radisson Hotels & Resorts®, one of the world's leading upscale hotel companies with more than 435 locations in 61 countries; Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, positioned in the mid-scale segment of the full-service hotel category, has over 35 hotels globally and is known for its great value and customer-focused service culture; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson®, one of the fastest growing, mid-tier lodging chains with over 340 locations offering excellent value with a warm and comfortable atmosphere; and Park Inn®, with nearly 80 hotels worldwide, is a unique emerging hotel brand offering a relaxed environment in the economy category and is poised for aggressive global growth.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson, a global leader in providing corporate solutions and consumer services in the marketing, travel and hospitality industries. Other names among the Carlson family of brands and services are: Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Carlson Marketing Group, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Results Travel, Cruise Holidays, T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix restaurants. The company has been recognized by both Fortune and Working Mother magazines as one of the "100 best places to work for in America," Carlson's corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minn.

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